Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee is currently the subject of speculation linking him with several top European clubs, including Juventus, Manchester United, and Arsenal. However, recent reports suggest that Zirkzee’s preferred destination is Milan.
The Dutch center-forward has made a significant impact in Serie A this season, registering 10 goals and four assists in 28 appearances for Bologna. His contributions have been instrumental in the team’s ascent to fourth place in the league standings, placing them in contention for a coveted Champions League berth.
As a product of Bayern Munich’s youth system, Zirkzee is expected to command a substantial transfer fee in the upcoming summer transfer window. Numerous clubs have expressed interest in acquiring his services.
According to sources cited by La Gazzetta dello Sport, Zirkzee has expressed a preference for a move to Milan and has instructed his representatives to facilitate negotiations toward this end. Milan boasts a rich history of association with Dutch football, exemplified by the iconic trio of Marco van Basten, Ruud Gullit, and Frank Rijkaard.
The report further suggests that Milan is preparing a proposal to entice Bologna, consisting of a €50 million cash offer in addition to the permanent acquisition of Alexis Saelemaekers. Saelemaekers, a Belgian international, is currently on loan at Bologna from Milan.
Bologna is reportedly valuing Zirkzee in the region of the €75 million fee paid by Manchester United for Rasmus Hojlund from Atalanta. Additionally, the club is under pressure to maximize the transfer fee for Zirkzee due to the obligation to Bayern Munich, stemming from their €8.5 million acquisition of the player in 2022, which entails a 40% share of any future sell-on fee.